Ashleigh Brown, RN, BSN, CCRP

It’s one of the hardest tests to pass, but Ashleigh Brown did it the first time and was one of the first three professionals to become a Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) in the state of Nebraska in 2015.

Ashleigh (Hicken) Brown, Cardiac-Pulmonary Rehab Specialty Clinic Manager at Gothenburg, leads the cardiac rehabilitation program at Gothenburg Health.

Having the knowledge and experience of being a registered nurse was a tremendous service, but Brown wanted to do more. It’s her willingness to go above and beyond that stands out.

“I had a desire to learn more about cardiac rehabilitation, and this was when certification was first being offered for cardiac professionals,” Brown said. Because Gothenburg Health is a member of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVRP), Brown said she was allowed to take the test a day before the national conference in Denver.

CCRP certification is awarded after two criteria are met: a successfully completed application and a passing score on test, according to the Society of Clinical Research Association. To prepare, Brown said she studied the CCRP handbook as well as other policies and procedures.

Currently, Gothenburg Health is one of 39 certified programs in the state of Nebraska. Brown said the benefit is aligning with the AACVPR which determines the standards and skills needed to be able to deliver quality patient outcomes. “It ensures quality patient care in the patient rehabilitation setting,” she said.

While Brown is passionate about helping her patients recover and meet their goals, she also is committed to staying certified every 3 years through 60 hours of continuing education, 40 hours of which must be specific to AACRPR education.

Brown is also a Gothenburg native and Gothenburg High School graduate. She, her husband and children have made Gothenburg their home where they are actively involved in the community.